Shoprite to Pay Customers for Reusing Plastic Bags in South African

SHOPRITE’S customers in South Africa will be paid for reusing the supermarket’s newly introduced recyclable bag as it joined domestic rivals in efforts to curb plastic pollution.

Supermarkets in South Africa have come under increased pressure to cut their use of plastic as images of littered oceans and beaches become commonplace.

Although, there’s no law in South Africa, banning plastic bags, but as part of efforts to reduce littering and discourage customers from buying them, the country increased the plastic bag levy in April by 50 percent to 12 cents per bag.

Shoprite said every time a customer reuses its new 100 percent recycled and recyclable plastic bag, which retails for 3 rand ($0.2088), at Shoprite and Checkers stores, they will get 50 cents off their grocery purchase.

The retailer added that packaging of all broccoli, cauliflower, baby marrows, patty pans, baby gems, squash variety and fruit packs will switch to fully biodegradable and comfortable containers from early November.

South Africa’s biggest supermarket chain’s move comes weeks after department store chain Woolworths Holdings said it will remove single-use plastic bags from one of its stores during a six-month trial period.